Deadbeat Sublettor

[herbertger]

My (illegal) sublettor skipped out owing me considerable money.

Although the sublet was illegal, I wasn't charging any more than I could have had it been landlord-approved. Needless to say, the sublettor and I had no written contract.

What are my options for recovering the money? Civil court? Small claims? Will it matter to a judge that the sublet itself was illegal? I assume it will.

This must happen all the time. what do people do?

Thanks.

[Phil Cohen]

Seems like a simple case you could handle yourself, even if the case is too big for small claims.
I don't know if it would matter to the judge that the sublease was illegal. That is an issue the defendant would have to raise as a defense, if he shows up. Worth a try.

[Lilly]

The issue is not that it was legal or illegal; the issue is that you have nothing in writing with this sublettor. Your word against his/hers.
Not good odds on this one.

[NYHawk]

fugetaboutit